Functional disability and suicidal ideation in Korean older adults: the moderating role of socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVES

Although the relationship between functional disability and suicidal ideation among older adults has been well documented, limited research exists regarding how socioeconomic status might moderate the relationship between functional disability and suicidal ideation. The objective of this study is to identify the relationship between functional disability and suicidal ideation and assess how SES moderates this relationship among Korean older adults.

METHODS

Using data from wave 3 of the Korean Retirement and Income Study, this study has conducted a linear regression analysis with interaction terms.

RESULTS

There are three main findings. First, the main effects of Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and economic status on suicidal ideation were identified. Second, functional disability is identified as a serious risk factor for suicidal ideation among Korean older individuals who express dissatisfaction with their economic circumstances. Last, the moderating effect of economic condition and education on the relationship between functional disability and suicidal ideation exhibited some differences.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the interactions of functional disability and economic status yield a significant predictive effect on suicidal ideation in South Korea.